Are you suffering from Gynaecomastia and looking for Gynnaecomastia surgery but have lack of knowledge for this. Don't worry! Answers given by Dr Ashish Dutta will clear all your doubts.

1. What is Gynaecomastia?

Gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts) – ‘Gyne’ stands for female and ‘mastia’ stands for breast i.e. male with female like breasts.It occurs due to excess breast tissue/glandular tissue with or without excess fat which is basically associated with hormonal changes in the body. Sometimes it is caused by an accumulation of fatty tissue - when breast enlargement is caused by fatty tissue alone it is known as pseudo Gynaecomastia. There are many causes such as a hormonal imbalance due to liver or testicular disease; drugs such as anabolic steroids or puberty. Breast enlargement in men can also be caused by weight gain, obesity or old age. In very rare cases, cancer can cause Gynaecomastia.

2. Why gynecomastia occurs?

The basic reason for real gynaecomastia is high level of estrogen (female hormone) or a high ratio of estrogen to testosterone in males which promotes the development of excess breast tissue/glandular tissue resulting into female like breasts in males.

3. What are the different types of gynaecomastia?

Gynecomastia may be of following types:

‘Pure glandular’ gynecomastia- It is true gynecomastia in which enlargement of the breast area occurs due to proliferation of fibrous breast tissue/glandular tissue.

‘Mixed’ gynecomastia- It is the most common form of gynecomastia in which enlargement of the chest occurs by both excess fibrous breast/glandular tissue and fatty tissue.

Pseudo gynaecomastia- It is false gynaecomastia in which culprit of enlargement of the male breast area is excess fat only.

4. What is the difference between gynaecomastia or pseudo gynaecomastia?

Gynaecomastia is:

● Due to excess breast tissue/glandular tissue growth

● The underlying matter is tissue which is firm, irregular and sometimes even painful to touch

● Hard lump under the nipple but can also extend outside the borders of the areola depends on how much glandular tissue is there

● Gynecomastia is generally removed surgically

Pseudo-gynecomastia is:

● Enlarged chest due to excess fatty tissue

● The underlying matter is accumulated fat in the chest area which is soft and generally painless

● A soft lump under the breast

● Diet and exercise may help to reduce Pseudogynaecomastia

● Primarily occurs in overweight or obese people.

5. Who is a candidate for Gynaecomastia surgery/ Male breast reduction?

If you are experiencing physical discomfort with the size or appearance of your breasts and your breast development has stabilized or you have passed your teenage (as pubertal gynecomastia can resolve over time).

If your enlarged breasts cannot seem to flat out despite attempts through diet and/or exercise and you are not significantly overweight/an obese person.

If you are not currently taking any medications/supplementsknown to cause gynecomastia as medication induced gynecomastia can resolve if you substitute these medications or stop using them.

Then you can choose the gynecomastia surgery to remove this permanently.

6. Is there any chance of regression without surgery?

Yes, it depends on the cause. In the case of Gynaecomastia onset at puberty the breasts may regress naturally within two years because the excessive breast tissue that is the cause of concern may even out as the chest expands when you finish your teen years and enter into adulthood.

If medication or chemical use is the cause of gynecomastia then there is a chance of regression that if you stop using this medication, your gynecomastia may resolve over time.

If you are an obese person having excess fat in your breasts, you can probably reduce it with proper diet and exercise by reducing your weight. You should go for a low fat diet in order to allow the body to burn off excess calories.But after passing the age of 20, if true gynecomastia symptoms persist then surgery is the only permanent solution.

7. What is Neonatal gynaecomastia?

The neonatal gynaecomastia of neonatal period (birth to 1 month) is asymptomatic which occurs as a residual effect of androgens to estrogens conversion by the placenta. This temporary gynaecomastia usually subsides within two to three weeks. So you need not be bothered about this stage of gynaecomastia.

8. What is Pubertal gynaecomastia?

In teenagers (boys between 10-15 years), gynaecomastia is very common and usually a result of estrogens (female hormones) hormone imbalance brought in by puberty. But the excessive breast tissue growth at this age may go away naturally as the chest expands when you finish your teen years and enter into adulthood.But after passing teen years, if gynecomastia symptoms persist then you should consult with a doctor who can diagnose whether you have chest fat or real gynaecomastia.

9. What is Senescent gynaecomastia?

When males get older, the testosterone levels either become dormant or decreases from their earlier levels and there may be also a relative increase in the fatty tissue which can lead to the dominance of the female hormone estrogen over male hormone androgen and it may cause senescent Gynecomastia. In old aged-men use of numerous etiologic drugs may also the reason for gynecomastia. If medication or chemical use is the cause of gynecomastia then there is a chance that if you stop using this medication, your gynecomastia may also go away on its own but it depends on the severity, If the severity is high then you should go for gynecomastia surgery.

10. What are the causes for Gynaecomastia ?

Causes of gynecomastia include hormonal imbalance (high ratio of estrogen to testosterone), due to liver or testicular disease or puberty, drugs such as anabolic steroids, weight gain or obesity, hyperthyroidism, Klinefelter Syndrome, old age and in very rare cases breast cancer. This can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly. Generally, gynecomastia (that is not caused by cancer) is not a serious medical problem, but it can be psychologically hard for boys and men to cope with the condition.

11. Can I treat my gynaecomastia with proper diet and exercise?

Yes. If you are an obese person having excess fat in your breasts and suffering from pseudo gynecomastia, you can probably reduce it with proper diet and exercise by reducing your weight. You should go for a low fat diet in order to allow the body to burn off excess calories.

12. What are the surgical options available for Gynaecomastia at Aesthetic Beauty Centre?

We are currently using the following techniques to treat Gynaecomastia according to the cause and stage of the Gynaecomastia:

Gynaecomastia surgery by using Excision technique to remove the excess glandular tissue by making a incision around the edge of the areola(periareolar incision) through which excision of glandular tissue is done.

Combination of VASER liposuction and excision techniques to remove both the excess glandular tissues and the fatty tissue.

Skin excision is also done if there is any excess skin in your breasts area.

13. How long does gynaecomastia surgery take?

The gynecomastia surgery can take 1-2 hours to complete which depends on the method of treatment (eg. Gland removal and/or Vaser Lipo) and the severity of the condition.

14. Does a Gynaecomastia surgery of surgery for Male breast reduction hurt?

Gynaecomastia surgery is performed under local anaesthetic, but sedation is an option. Sometimes it is done under general anaesthetic. Pain is usually associated with the initial needle prick, after that the area is anaesthetized so no pain or only mild occasional discomfort is experienced.

15. Is there any scarring from gynaecomastia surgery?

There is a little scarring from the treatment, however it is minimal and depends on the patient. Most of the patients are satisfied with the type of scar that is in the areola (the dark circle around the nipple) which also become dull over time even unnoticeable in some cases. The majority of patients accept this and feel it is a small price to pay for the results of having a flat chest.

16. What are the risks and complications of gynaecomastia surgery?

Potential complications and risks associated with gynecomastia surgery are initially related to the drugs used, such as an allergic reaction. There are also surgical risks, as with any other surgery.

More serious risks can be caused by an inexperienced surgeon. Choosing a well-qualified and experienced surgeon greatly reduces these risks.

17. How long do I have to wait to resume my routine after gynaecomastia surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery typically requires only a couple of hours for recovery. The patient can return home after the surgery, and often resume normal activities after a few days. Exercise, bathing and swimming should be avoided for at least two weeks, any strenuous exercise or lifting for six weeks should be avoided, you can however take shower the next day of surgery.

18. What is my anticipated recovery time after gynaecomastia surgery?

Generally for best results, we consider at least 2 weeks for recovery time after surgery. You should be available for a follow up one week-ten days following your treatment.You should wear a support garment or an elastic bandage to minimize swelling and to support your new chest contour as it heals after surgery. Swelling and bruising after a gynecomastia treatment subsides after a few weeks and there is normally no noticeable scarring after a few months.

19. What are the alternative treatments available for gynaecomastia rather than surgical operation?

As we all know the reason for real gynecomastia is high level of estrogen or a high ratio of estrogen to testosterone in males. If you are not looking for surgery then treating the hormonal imbalance will often help you. You can also use Gynecomastia Shirts or Gynecomastia pills. But the success rate of these non-invasive treatment are depends on severity of the problem and all they temporary solutions. If you are looking for a permanent solution then the only option is Gynecomastia surgery.

20. How soon will I see my results? Does gynaecomastia surgery result permanent?

You will see results of male breast reduction just after your surgery. However, your chest area will show the most improvement in the months after the procedure which is usually permanent, but weight gain, hormonal imbalances and the use of certain medications, drugs (including steroids) can cause the problem to reoccur. So you should avoid these substances and remain at a stable weight in order to maintain your results.

21. Do I have an increased risk of cancer if I have gynaecomastia?

Gynaecomastia is usually a benign (noncancerous) condition. Breast cancer in men is rare and occurs in only 1% of cases of male breast enlargement. Gynaecomastia, however, may present itself as a symptom of certain cancers or illnesses, but this is not always the case.

22. What is the cost for gynaecomastia surgery at Aesthetic Beauty Centre?

The prices for Gynaecomastia treatment start from £2250 and can go upto £5850. This surgery can be done with liposuction only, liposuction + gland excision, gland excision only, liposuction + gland excision + skin excision. Price depends on the method of treatment or the extent of the operation used and the stage of Gynaecomastia. An exact quote will be given to you at the time of consultation along with a treatment plan.

23. Do you offer any financial assistance?

Ms Haines had VASER lipo 4 weeks ago and is delighted with the outcome. Being a busy mother, she doesn't get much time for herself and wanted a confidence boost to kick start her 'healthy living' programme.